When does school start in Virginia?
For 2026–27, first days among tracked Virginia districts range from August 11, 2026 (Montgomery County Public Schools) to August 24, 2026 (Virginia Beach City Public Schools). Virginia schools typically start mid-to-late August; a few divisions after Labor Day.
Districts, sorted by first day
| District | First day | Last day | Spring break |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery County Public Schools | August 11, 2026 | May 28, 2027 | March 26 – April 2, 2027 |
| Frederick County Public Schools | August 12, 2026 | May 27, 2027 | March 29 – April 2, 2027 |
| Loudoun County Public Schools | August 17, 2026 | June 11, 2027 | March 22–26, 2027 |
| Fairfax County Public Schools | August 24, 2026 | June 16, 2027 | March 22–26, 2027 |
| Prince William County Public Schools | August 24, 2026 | June 17, 2027 | March 22–29, 2027 |
| Virginia Beach City Public Schools | August 24, 2026 | June 11, 2027 | March 29 – April 2, 2027 |
When Virginia law lets school start
Virginia law (Va. Code § 22.1-79.1, amended in 2026) says the first day of school may be no earlier than 14 days before September 1 — roughly August 18 — and any division that starts before Labor Day must close schools from the Friday before Labor Day through the holiday, with waivers available mainly for year-round programs.
Can Virginia schools start before Labor Day? Yes, and most divisions do — but a division that starts before Labor Day has to close from the Friday before the holiday through the holiday itself. The first day may be no earlier than 14 days before September 1, which is around August 18. Is there school on Labor Day? answers the other half of that question, district by district.
Breaks and the end of the year
Compare across a metro
How Virginia compares
- When do schools start? — every state tracked here, from the earliest first day in the country to the latest.
- When is spring break? — the week each state takes off, side by side.
- When is winter break? — the December dates, and the day students go back in January.
- When is the last day of school? — when the year ends, state by state.
Questions parents ask
When does school start in Virginia in 2026?
Among tracked districts, first days range from August 11, 2026 (Montgomery County Public Schools) to August 24, 2026 (Virginia Beach City Public Schools). Most families should check their own district — the table on this page links every one.
Does Virginia have a law about when school can start?
Virginia law (Va. Code § 22.1-79.1, amended in 2026) says the first day of school may be no earlier than 14 days before September 1 — roughly August 18 — and any division that starts before Labor Day must close schools from the Friday before Labor Day through the holiday, with waivers available mainly for year-round programs.
Can schools in Virginia start before Labor Day?
Yes, and most divisions do — but a division that starts before Labor Day has to close from the Friday before the holiday through the holiday itself. The first day may be no earlier than 14 days before September 1, which is around August 18.
When is spring break in Virginia in 2027?
Spring break varies by district — tracked districts fall between the week of March 22, 2027 and the week of March 29, 2027. Your district's page has the exact week.